Colorado Chapter of AFSP Party for Prevention - a Successful Event

Colorado Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Party for Prevention at John Fielder's Colorado Gallery In Denver Colorado.

Chuck Callahan Examiner.com

On Saturday, June 7, 2014, the Colorado Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) held their annual Party for Prevention. It was held at John Fielders’ Colorado Art Gallery in Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe Drive. John is a very generous supporter of the Colorado Chapter, has been able to host the event since 2012 and has donated a work of art each year.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

There couldn’t have been a better setting for this wonderful fundraising event. A string quartet in the background, wonderful art from several artists, to include John Fielder and conversation while enjoying an assortment of beer, wine, soda hors d'oeuvres and desserts.

As you entered the gallery there was a wonderful string quartet setting the tone for the night. The music helped guide you from one artist to the other and set a relaxing tone. As you wandered from each artists’ collections there were silent auction tables with a variety of items from all types of experiences like Elway’s, Pinot’s Palette, Rock Bottom Brewery, Los Arcos Authentic Mexican Dining and Wishbone Family Restaurant to Hand & Stone Massages, a Ultimate Colorado Rockies package, “Train with Jeff,” Segway Denver Tour for two and a Massage Envy Facial and several basket items like Starbucks, Tea/Coffee Drinkers Delight, Wine Lovers, and the Pasta, Wine and Kitchen Collection.

There were many opportunities to talk with some of the people directly affected by suicide, the organizations and individuals who volunteer or help the organization to achieve their goals each year. The night was not about one person or one part of the organization, but all of the people involved and the achievements the organization has made through their many avenues of approach to include walks, fundraisers, literature, research and much, much more.

Midway through the evening there was a presentation showing just how the organization has been so successful, spotlights on some of the individuals in the organization and other organizations who are vital to their success.

John was not able to attend the event but sent along some words which exemplify the work he does not only with the AFSP, but with others.

“Thank you for coming to my gallery tonight and supporting AFSP. I regret that I cannot not be with you. I am working on a new book to be published next year about the West's last major undammed river, the Yampa. As fresh water supplies diminish and demand increases, water gets removed from rivers leaving nature high and dry.

This book will promote that not happening to the Yampa.

My family and I lost a son and brother to suicide. I do not want that to happen to other families and that is why I support AFSP.

Please help Sheri & the AFSP CO Chapter raise the money needed to continue the work AFSP does so well, by paying a high price for the auction print and buying lots of Fielder books tonight.

John is one of the reason’s the organization is so successful and will continue to be so.

After the presentation there was a live auction featuring John Fielders beautiful print “Rosey Paintbrush.” After a few minutes of competitive bidding the print was finally sold to Vicki Piers.

After the live auction the many silent auctions drew to a close and the evening slowly ended. There were over 100 in attendance for the evening and the organization was able to raise $7,000 to help them with their goals for 2014. I would also like to mention; of the donations the organization receives over 82% of it goes toward support of research and programs and only 17.9% to management and fundraising.

Charity Navigator, who has become the nation's largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities has rated AFSP with a 4 out of 4 star rating which is an exceptional rating making AFSP one of the many charitable organizations exceeding industry standards and outperforming most charities in its cause category.

The AFSP is the leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education, and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.

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Chuck is a Native Coloradoan of more than 50 years. He has worked with non-profit organizations since the age of 16, 30+ years, when he was president of a local bicycle organization. He spent a total of 6 years in the United States Air Force as a Security Specialist. He writes as a hobby and all the monies earned from his articles are donated back to non-profit organizations. He has held many offices in local non-profits from Founder and President to Chaplain. He is the Founder of Adasio.org, dedicated to people who have Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Syncope such as; POTS and Dysautonomia, which he was diagnosed with in 2009. He is married to his wife Cheryl and has 3 adult children and 6 grandchildren. If you have a non-profit organization you would like him to write about or have questions please feel free to contact him at: chuckcallahan@mindspring.com